A YOUTH club’s bus which gives teenagers from deprived areas a safe place to discuss their problems risks closing unless it can raise £10,000.

Waltham Forest Council cut funding to Mobile Youth Venue, which has been running for eight years, earlier this year.

The bus, which is run by the charity Worth Unlimited, rolls into areas plagued by gang violence and offers teens cooking classes, quizzes, computer games and day trips.

Project leader Helen Perry said due to dwindling cash, the bus has stopped going to Cathall Estate in Leytonstone, which is plagued by gang violence.

She said: “We had to stop the weekly sessions in Cathall Estate and there is a real need for us there because a lot of young people are really struggling with their home lives.

“There are not enough youth clubs in the area and because it is dangerous many teenagers are not left out by their parents.

“We were offering them the opportunity to meet others from different backgrounds and build a community.

“We have seen teenagers in the past who were a real handful and after our work with them their behaviour improved.

“It is sad the council are unable to fund the service.”

When the bus, which caters for 11 – 19-year-olds, was put on the road in 2008 it catered for estates across Leyton, Walthamstow and Chingford.

But now it can only afford to hold two weekly sessions at Beaumont Estate in Leyton and Priory Court estate in Walthamstow and its funds will dry up in December.

The charity say they need £10,000 per year to maintain, store and service the vehicle.

Worth Unlimited Operations Manager, Matt Perry, said: “We’ve been running this service for eight years now and with most of the council’s youth provision closing down over the past few years, the bus is more important and needed than ever.

“The opportunities young people get and the relationships they can build with our youth work staff and volunteers have changed lives.

“If we don't do something, there will be no youth bus in Waltham Forest and all of that will disappear.”

Teenager Saima is a regular on the bus.

She said: "We should keep it because there is not much for young people to do.

“The bus is important. Youth workers help young people with issues and confidence.”

One teenager who attends session in the bus, gave his name as Sean.

He said: "It gives young people a place to go, where they can stay out of trouble, it keeps young people safe and off the streets."

The charity has launched an online fundraising campaign.To donate click here.